Penrose, CO
Population 3,978 · Colorado
About Penrose, CO
Penrose is a small town located in Colorado with a population of 3,978 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $75,109 per year, which is 0% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 44.6 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Penrose features a median home value of $276,100, which is 13% above the national median of $244,900. This positions Penrose in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $0, 100% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,541 total housing units, 84% are owner-occupied (1,183 units) and 16% are renter-occupied (227 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Penrose shows an unemployment rate of 9.0%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 12.2%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Penrose have an average one-way commute time of 29.2 minutes.
Education & Demographics
27.4% of Penrose residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 4.0% White, 0.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 2.5% Asian residents, with 0.7% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Penrose, CO
Compared to national averages, Penrose has a median household income of $75,109 (0% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $276,100, which is 13% above the national median. Monthly rent at $0 is 100% below the US average of $1,163. Within Colorado, Penrose's income is 15% below the state average of $88,514, and home values are 40% below the state median of $457,127.
Why Live in Penrose, CO?
Penrose offers rent that’s lower than the national average at $0/month, and a low poverty rate of 12.2%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include median household income ($75,109) that falls below the national average. However, Penrose’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Penrose has a population of 3,978 with a median age of 44.6 years. Compare Penrose with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Colorado.
Similar Cities Near Penrose
Cities in Colorado with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basalt | 3,995 | $106,000 | $1,148,100 | Compare |
| El Jebel | 3,935 | $100,518 | $854,300 | Compare |
| Florence | 3,870 | $57,239 | $228,300 | Compare |
| Rocky Ford | 3,843 | $35,658 | $126,100 | Compare |
| Genesee | 3,826 | $172,692 | $994,700 | Compare |
| Monte Vista | 4,178 | $49,339 | $204,500 | Compare |
| Niwot | 3,773 | $141,621 | $868,400 | Compare |
| Lincoln Park | 4,315 | $64,750 | $272,000 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Colorado
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Penrose With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Penrose
What is the population of Penrose, CO?
The population of Penrose, CO is 3,978 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Colorado.
What is the median household income in Penrose?
The median household income in Penrose, CO is $75,109 per year, which is 0% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Penrose?
The median home value in Penrose, CO is $276,100, which is 13% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Penrose?
The median monthly rent in Penrose, CO is $0, which is 100% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Penrose?
The unemployment rate in Penrose, CO is 9.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Penrose, CO a good place to live?
Penrose offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 3,978 and a median age of 44.6, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Penrose, CO?
27.4% of residents in Penrose aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Penrose?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Penrose, CO: median home value is $276,100 (13% above national), median rent is $0/month, and median household income is $75,109. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.7x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Penrose?
The poverty rate in Penrose, CO is 12.2%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Penrose, CO?
Penrose's population is 4.0% White, 0.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 2.5% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 0.7% of residents are foreign-born.